With Present Mic's words, the exam officially began. However, Allen checked his phone once again, still seeing no reply to the message he had sent to Toru.
He searched for her around the area, but as ironic as it sounded, finding the invisible girl should have been easy—her presence usually stood out. Yet even with his enhanced vision and super hearing, he couldn't locate her, which meant she hadn't arrived yet.
'2B, go look for her...'
2B, who had been silently following Allen while remaining unseen, immediately moved to carry out the order.
'Understood, Master.'
Allen decided to wait. If Toru didn't arrive, he would have to use a template to delay the exam. Otherwise, the girl who dreamed of becoming a hero would lose her chance.
"Is everyone ready?!" Present Mic shouted, hyping everyone up and expecting a response.
Instead, silence answered him.
"What a weird guy..." Allen muttered, making Itsuka and Momo almost laugh.
"What a tough crowd."
Being ignored made Present Mic slump for a moment, but he quickly recovered his high-energy attitude.
"Alright! Now I'll explain how this works!"
The UA entrance exam was divided into two phases: a written test and a combat simulation.
"You'll have ten minutes to face three different types of villains. Each one will give you points, and at the end of those ten minutes, your total score will be evaluated to rank you!"
The so-called villains were autonomous robots, each worth between one and three points. Naturally, the higher the points, the harder they were to defeat.
Behind Allen, someone muttered, "So the written exam isn't first this time?"
"In previous years, the written test came before the battle simulation," Momo whispered, "but this time it seems they reversed the order."
"I've heard it's very rare to fail the written exam," she continued softly. "So maybe they didn't see the point in making those who fail the combat test take it."
"That makes sense," Itsuka added.
"I see… so this year is different."
Every small change caught Allen's attention. It could be something altered by his presence… or by Lucifer's interference.
"You'll be divided into groups!" Present Mic exclaimed dramatically.
Behind him, a large screen lit up, displaying the training area. It was an empty city built specifically for superhero training. Everyone was divided into groups, labeled from A to G.
"No way..." Itsuka sighed when she saw she was placed in Group G, while Momo was in Group C and Allen in Group A.
"Nervous?" Allen asked with a half-smile that made Itsuka blush. "After kidnapping me for a whole month, you still lack confidence?"
"I—I..." Itsuka turned even redder.
Itsuka Kendo's Quirk wasn't something especially flashy on its own. It allowed her to enlarge her hands and gain superhuman strength, but compared to heroes and villains like Mt. Lady or Gigantomachia, it didn't seem particularly outstanding.
Still, during that month, Allen had helped her train to become stronger. After all, depending on their performance in the exam, students would be assigned to different classes.
Itsuka was sure Allen and Momo would enter Class 1-A, but she didn't want to be separated just because of her Quirk.
"You'll do great," Allen said, placing his hand on top of Itsuka's head.
"That's right, you'll do amazing," Momo added, smiling — though a faint dark aura seemed to leak from her.
"Excuse me!"
A short-haired boy with glasses suddenly stood up, interrupting them.
"What is it, examinee #7111?" Present Mic asked.
"The brochure said there would be four types of villains. If this is a mistake, please correct it. We are serious applicants, and I don't believe this reflects the standards of UA High School." He then turned toward Allen while adjusting his glasses. "And you three, who have been flirting nonstop since the beginning—this kind of indecent behavior is inappropriate for a respectable place like this!"
[Tenya Iida
Quirk: Engine]
"..." Allen remained indifferent to Iida's accusation, but Itsuka and Momo covered their flushed faces with their hands.
"Yeah, stop flirting!"
"So jealous… I mean, that's totally inappropriate!"
"Damn handsome guy!"
Soon, several students voiced their dissatisfaction, though it was clearly more envy than anything else.
"SILENCE!"
Present Mic used his Quirk to amplify his voice, forcing everyone to quiet down.
"Thanks for pointing that out, #7111. And as for examinee #1000, please stop making your classmates jealous."
The comment was meant to tease Allen, but it backfired when he responded with a shameless grin.
"I'll try."
Seeing Allen's carefree attitude irritated Tenya Iida even more. He had taken this exam extremely seriously, training until exhaustion for months. To him, someone like Allen—who seemed more interested in the girls beside him than the test itself—didn't deserve to pass.
Allen, of course, didn't care about Iida's thoughts. His attention was entirely on Itsuka and Momo, who were still completely red.
Present Mic cleared his throat, realizing Allen was hard to manage, and continued.
"As for the fourth type of villain… defeating them will give you zero points!"
"In other words, they're obstacles. You can destroy them, but you won't get any reward for doing so."
"Sounds like a game," someone murmured.
With that, the rules were clear, and the students began standing up and heading toward their assigned zones.
"Good luck, Allen~" Itsuka said as she turned away.
Allen chuckled softly. "Luck doesn't smile on me, so I'll just use my ability."
Momo was about to leave without saying anything, but after taking a few steps, she stopped. Without turning around, she muttered something only Allen could hear with his super hearing—well, a couple of others heard too, but chose not to get involved.
"I know you can do it, Momo-chan."
"Tsk."
Momo hurried away.
Allen didn't head to his evaluation area right away. He scanned the auditorium again, still not seeing Toru. But at that moment, he spotted who he was looking for.
An invisible girl hurried in from the hallway.
"I'm sorry, I'm late and—"
Allen interrupted her. "It's fine. Just show me your card."
When he saw that Toru was also in Group A, Allen let out a relieved sigh.
"I'll explain how it works on the way, but seriously, why didn't you call me?" Allen frowned. She had almost missed the most important exam of her life.
Even if she'd had an accident, Allen had countless ways to get to her before the exam started.
"I… I'm sorry!" Toru lowered her head—or at least gave that impression. "I didn't want to get you in trouble for helping me."
Allen's expression softened. He couldn't stay mad when her reason was to avoid causing him trouble.
"It doesn't matter now. Let's go."
....
The evaluation area was a mini-city surrounded by massive walls. The government spared no expense when it came to UA. After all, most of the future top ten heroes would likely come from this school.
That had been the case for All Might, Endeavor, and Best Jeanist—all proud UA graduates.
Allen looked away from the massive gate leading into the city and turned to Toru.
"Did you bring your suit?"
"Huh? Yeah, of course!"
Allen shook his head. There was an embarrassing detail about Toru: to be completely invisible, she had to be naked. Realizing this, Allen was left speechless.
Toru was willing to fight crime without having a solution to that problem. Of course, she hadn't really thought things through.
In her moment of desperation, Allen used a template based on Albus Dumbledore—the strongest wizard from the Harry Potter world. With that power, he enchanted several pieces of Toru's clothing with the same magic used on invisibility cloaks.
That way, she wouldn't have to be naked while being a superhero.
"Then why are you wearing the uniform?"
"It's just… I was embarrassed~"
Toru blushed again, making Allen wonder if she was more embarrassed about wearing clothes than not wearing them.
"You're misunderstanding!" she hurried to explain.
She wanted to say that she was embarrassed Allen might think she wasn't wearing anything, so she put the uniform over the suit she already had on—a neoprene-like outfit similar to a diver's suit, but adapted to be comfortable and durable.
"Well, let's drop that and focus." Allen had no regrets about using Dumbledore's power to save Toru from a lifetime of embarrassment.
"Yeah!"
Toru took off her uniform, leaving on only her invisible neoprene suit and gloves. The rest were just waiting for the combat simulation to begin, but some were very energetic.
"Tsk, if anyone gets in my way, I'll destroy them!" Bakugo shouted angrily.
Attacking your classmates was forbidden—it was an exam to become a hero, not a villain. But the rabid honey badger didn't care.
"Oh..." Allen smiled.
"Everyone, listen! The exam has officially begun!" Present Mic announced over the speakers as the gates opened.
In an instant, everyone rushed forward, searching for robots to destroy.
"Toru, you'll be fine on your own?"
"Of course!~"
Toru didn't expect Allen's help and ran off with the others to look for enemies.
Kara – What are you doing? It already started!
Raven – Relax. If Allen went first, I'm afraid no one else would pass this exam.
Kratos – Hmph. As a warrior, this level of advantage is insulting. But since they are children, I suppose it is acceptable.
MJ – Allen, weren't you going to teach that aggressive brat a lesson?
Felicia – MJ, don't give him ideas… actually, on second thought, that sounds fun. Do it!
Allen laughed softly before floating upward, rising above the buildings.
....
In the control room, professional heroes, UA staff, and members of the Hero Public Safety Commission (HPSC) were gathered. The latter had come solely to observe and register the future heroes.
"Haha, it's started!" All Might smiled as he watched the screens showing students fighting robots.
"Is #2232 a speed-type Quirk?"
"Yes, his body is wrapped in green electricity when he runs."
"Strange… he's also strong. Don't tell me it's a compound Quirk. Incredible potential."
'You're doing well, Young Midoriya,' All Might thought as he watched Deku destroy three "villains" in just a few seconds.
"Look at #3024."
"What about #2233? His Quirk causes explosions."
"There are many promising kids this year..." Aizawa muttered. "Though there's also #1000."
At Aizawa's comment, most of the attention shifted to Group A.
Allen still hadn't done anything.
"What's wrong with him?"
"Is he scared? Wouldn't be the first time."
"Does that look like the face of someone afraid?"
"It looks like he's waiting."
"Waiting for what?"
"Young Allen..." Even All Might was left speechless.
At first, he hadn't paid attention to Allen. Something like this was far too easy for him. But now that he focused on him, All Might couldn't immediately understand his behavior.
"What a troublesome kid."
A pleasant female voice came from the entrance. Aizawa and All Might turned around.
"Midnight? And Principal Nezu?!"
"Sorry for the interruption," said the anthropomorphic mouse.
The examiners were surprised to see Nezu there, but he ignored them, staring at Allen floating silently.
"Kayama-sensei, what do you think?"
"That boy is being considerate," Midnight declared proudly.
"Just as I thought."
At their words, the room fell silent.
...
Allen, who had been observing quietly, looked at Toru. She already had twenty-five points. It was easy for her to earn them since no one could see her approaching, and she could sabotage the robots' internal circuits.
"She's doing well. With that, she has a guaranteed spot in Class 1–A… now."
Allen's gaze shifted to Bakugo. The boy jumped onto a three-point villain, placed his hands on it, and made it explode while laughing.
"Die!"
Bakugo grinned. He had already reached thirty-five points and was still climbing. His goal was first place. He came here to prove he was superior to everyone.
"Die too!" Bakugo used his explosions to propel himself toward another robot.
However, a blur passed beside him, and before he could react, the robot in front of him exploded.
"Huh?!"
Bakugo clenched his teeth in anger. Someone had stolen his prey.
"Damn it! I'll kill you later!"
He didn't have time to waste and looked in another direction. Three two-point robots stood there.
Bakugo put his hands behind his back and used his explosions to propel himself forward, but before he could reach them, all three robots were destroyed.
"Who the hell keeps stealing my prey?!" Bakugo exploded, literally, releasing his Quirk.
When the smoke cleared, Bakugo heard Allen's laughter behind him.
"Wow, what a heroic phrase."
Bakugo turned and found him sitting on top of a destroyed robot, his face resting on his hand, wearing a mocking smile.
"You! You're the guy who was with Deku!"
"What's wrong? Are you jealous? Are you one of those people who express their love through violence?"
The veins on Bakugo's forehead bulged.
"Shut up! I'll kill you!"
Allen laughed.
"You can't. Attacking others isn't allowed during the exam, right?"
"Grr! I don't have time to deal with a coward like you!"
Having run out of arguments, Bakugo growled like a rabid dog and turned away to attack other robots. First place was what mattered now; he'd deal with Allen later.
Allen tore off a piece of metal from a robot and threw it. It flew past Bakugo and destroyed the robot he was about to attack.
"Damn you!"
Bakugo couldn't take it anymore and turned to attack Allen. The examiners watched in disbelief. It was true that Allen had provoked him, but Bakugo was really about to throw everything away over a fit of rage.
"You're way too hot-headed," Allen said, and just before Bakugo's explosive hand could reach him, he flew backward, out of range.
"You bastard!"
Allen observed Bakugo's behavior from start to finish. He had thought there might be some hidden reason behind how he treated his friend, but even if there was, this brat was far too aggressive.
*Tremor*
The entire area shook as a massive robot emerged from the ground, as large as a black colossus.
"Isn't that a bit too much budget?"
Allen laughed as he floated higher, leaving Bakugo shouting below. His attention was on the robot—it was basically a massive mecha.
Tony – How the hell do they power that thing?
Mayuri – Marvelous. I knew Ryoka's science had great potential!
Eve – Doesn't it seem strange to use something like that in a student exam?
Kyoko – If they truly have all of Japan's support, it's not surprising,
Emma Frost – Interesting...
Tearju – Isn't that dangerous?
Allen smiled. "It's dangerous, yes. But remember, this is a world with billions of people who have Quirks. Heroes must be prepared for anything."
Besides, Allen wasn't worried. No matter how colossal it was, the robot was still just a programmed machine for evaluation—it wouldn't kill any students.
*...*
"...!" Allen suddenly felt a chill down his spine. The robot began to move strangely, erratically… dangerously.
In the control room, everyone was in shock and panic.
"What's happening?!"
"The villain has gone berserk!"
"We've been hacked!"
'This is bad.' All Might was prepared to move, but suddenly felt a sharp pain in his abdomen. 'Tsk… again?!'
"Calm down, All Might," Nezu said without taking his eyes off the screen.
The students backed away from the crazed robot, but some rushed toward it.
Bakugo was the first to charge.
"Die!"
A massive iceberg slammed into the giant as well. However, neither attack seemed to damage it, as if it had grown stronger.
Thanks to their courage, more students joined in, attacking together. Even Deku joined the fight.
....
Meanwhile, some students were trapped under rubble caused by the destruction.
"Ugh…" groaned a boy whose leg was pinned.
"Are you okay?" Allen lifted the large chunk of wall off him.
"Huh? Thanks…" the boy said in disbelief. Wasn't this the shameless guy flirting with girls earlier?
Elsewhere, a white-haired girl struggled to lift debris with her Quirk to free a dark green–haired girl underneath.
Her Quirk, called "Poltergeist," allowed her to manipulate objects like telekinesis, but only up to the weight of an average person.
"Hey, leave me here," said the girl with the strangely long tongue.
"No, I can move it..."
"That's really kind of you."
The girl widened her eyes as the wall was lifted. Behind her, she saw a boy holding it over his head while floating.
"You're…"
Allen smiled at both girls before lowering the debris and flying off in another direction.
Next, he freed a very small boy with purple hair who was stuck to a pole.
Allen carried him somewhere safe.
"There are so many talented kids..." Allen said as he watched the giant robot being covered in ice by someone.
Still, he didn't get distracted and continued helping students from different groups escape dangerous situations.
Everything changed when he heard a familiar scream.
"Toru?!" Allen flew at full speed, only to see the robot about to crush Toru, who was carrying a brown-haired girl on her shoulder.
Rage filled Allen as his eyes lit up, and without hesitation, he fired his heat vision, slicing through the robot's arm.
The students froze in shock.
Inside the control room, everyone was stunned.
Flight and super speed were abilities many heroes had, but that heat vision was far too familiar.
Then it hit them—they remembered the recently appeared vigilante, and realized his powers matched Allen's perfectly.
"You're… Superman!" Bakugo shouted, having seen everything.
"..."
===